So far this season, Sheffield Wednesday have endured a rather mixed start to their League One campaign, winning four, drawing three and losing three of their opening ten league games with 15 points under their belt.
Their previous league game saw Darren Moore’s side fall to a 2-1 defeat at home to Oxford Uniter after a late injury-time winner snatched all three points for the visitors right at the death.
After that, the Owls were in action again in midweek with a 2-1 victory over League Two side Mansfield Town.
Looking ahead to their next league match against Bolton Wanderers, there’s one Owls player that played in midweek that we feel should be dropped with the weekend showdown – Saido Berahino.
On the chalkboard
Wednesday signed Berahino, who Moore described as having “a wonderful knowledge and understanding of the game,” on a permanent deal from Belgian club Zulte Waregem back in the previous summer transfer window.
Since then, the 28-year-old, who is currently valued at £1.35m according to Transfermarkt, has made just four appearances for the Owls in League One, scoring one goal which came in their 1-1 draw against Shrewsbury Town.
Looking at his performance in midweek against Mansfield, Berahino failed to have a shot at goal either on or off target, made just 11 passes, eight of which were accurate and lost possession on seven occasions before being substituted at halftime, ultimately earning him a rather uninspiring overall match rating of 6.5, making him the Owls’ second-lowest rated player, according to SofaScore.
Would you start Berahino against Bolton?
Yes
No
Taking this into account, it would be in Wednesday’s and Moore’s best interest if Berahino was not included in the starting XI to face Bolton at the weekend.
In terms of who could come in for the former West Brom forward at the weekend, Callum Paterson is one name that could return to the side considering he has two goals and one assist to his name in the league and an overall season rating of 6.77, making him one of Wednesday’s highest-rated players according to WhoScored, which shows just how important he has been for the team.
Either way, Moore will have to make sure whoever he starts up front against Bolton at the weekend will be able to help the side secure all three points to get the closer to the top of the table and in the running for a promotion place.
In other news: Moore must ruthlessly axe 25 y/o Sheff Weds ace for Bolton clash, he struggled vs MTFC – opinion